What to Plant in Jackson Hole
A Gardening Calendar for Teton County, WY
A Gardening Calendar for Teton County, WY
In honor of Spring approaching (a gal can dream!) it feels appropriate to discuss gardening! It’s just about time to get your ducks if you’re planning on planting this season.
In Jackson Hole, our growing season is typically only 85-100 days between the last and first frost. That means knowing when to plant matters more here than most places.
I put together a simple guide for you, and frankly myself, outlining when to plant fruits, vegetables, and flowers + what actually thrives in our mountain climate. Save this as a reference for gardening season! 🌱🌸
Jackson Hole Growing Season: Frost Dates
The most important factor in gardening here is frost timing. Typical* conditions in the valley look like this:
Average last frost: June 10–15
Average first frost: September 5–15
Typical growing season: ~85–100 days
*Microclimates vary slightly across the valley. Areas near Wilson or along the West Bank can be a bit warmer, while higher elevations often experience an even shorter season. Reference my post on Hardiness zones for more intel!
Because of these conditions, many gardeners rely on indoor seed starting and cold-tolerant crops.
Jackson Hole Gardening Calendar
March: Start Seeds Indoors
Start these indoors under lights:
peppers
snapdragons
petunias
April: Continue Indoor Seed Starting
tomatoes
basil
broccoli
cabbage
These plants will be ready to transplant outdoors once the frost risk passes in June.
Late May: Plant Cold-Hardy Crops Outdoors
Once soil becomes workable, cold-tolerant vegetables can be planted outside. Good early crops include:
peas
spinach
lettuce
radishes
These crops tolerate cooler temperatures and often thrive in Jackson Hole’s climate.
Mid June: Plant Warm-Season Crops
After the last frost (usually mid-June), warm-season vegetables can finally go in the ground. Plant crops such as:
tomatoes
peppers
beans
zucchini
cucumbers
Many gardeners wait until Father’s Day to plant these frost-sensitive vegetables.
July and August: Succession Planting
Because the growing season is short, many gardeners replant quick crops multiple times. Great crops for succession planting include:
lettuce
spinach
radishes
arugula
Planting these every 3–4 weeks from late May through July helps maintain a steady harvest.
Fruits That Grow Well in Jackson Hole
Certain fruits perform particularly well in high-elevation mountain climates. Reliable choices include:
raspberries
strawberries
currants
gooseberries
cold-hardy apples
hardy cherries
Cool nights often improve flavor in berries, making them a favorite among local gardeners!
Vegetables That Thrive in Teton County
Cool-season vegetables perform especially well in Teton County gardens. Reliable crops include:
kale
spinach
lettuce
swiss chard
peas
potatoes
carrots
radishes
These plants tolerate cooler soil and mountain temperature swings. Warm-season crops like beans and zucchini can also succeed when planted after the last frost.
Best Flowers for Mountain Gardens
Jackson Hole’s cool nights and intense sunlight support a variety of hardy flowers.
Perennial flowers
lupine
columbine
coneflower
yarrow
Annual flowers
cosmos
zinnias
marigolds
sweet peas
These flowers are colorful, resilient, and well suited to high-elevation landscapes.
Tips for Successful High-Elevation Gardening
Here’s what I’ve gathered to be a few strategies that can help you maximize the short season here:
Start seeds indoors in early spring
Plant cold-tolerant crops first
Use raised beds to warm soil faster
Succession plant fast-growing greens
Coose hardy fruit varieties
While the growing season in Teton County is short, the valley’s long summer days, cool nights, and fertile soils create excellent conditions for many crops! With good planning, Jackson Hole gardens can produce vegetables, berries, and flowers from late spring through early fall. Have fun!!
